Richard Wright
 |
1908-1960 Author Birthplace: Roxie, MS |
In 1927, after years of family movements through the South, Richard Wright
moved to Chicago, where he worked in the post office. He used the experience
in his novel Lawd Today! He began his writing career publishing
poetry and short stories in magazines such as Left Front, Anvil,
and New Masses. He achieved international acclaim with the success
of Uncle Tom's Children in 1938 and Native Son in 1940.
As a result of continued racism in America, Wright decided to move to
France in 1947. While there, he traveled extensively. In 1959, Wright
made plans to move with his family to England; while Wright was delayed
by visa problems, his family traveled ahead – sadly, he died in France
before he could join them.
Web Resources
Richard Wright: Black Boy
A teacher's guide to Black Boy .
http://www.pbs.org/rwbb/
The Mississippi Writers Page: Richard Wright
Additional biographical information about Wright.
http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/english/ms-writers/dir/wright_richard/
 |
Return to the Encyclopedia of Prominent African Americans. |
